Maryland AG's office investigating 2 pet stores that are still selling puppies despite new ban
ROCKVILLE, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - The Maryland Attorney General’s Office is investigating two Maryland pet stores that refuse to stop selling puppies despite a law that prohibits it.
FOX 5 first reported on Just Puppies in August, in an investigation showing several Maryland pet stores are still selling puppies despite a law that took effect in January banning the practice due to puppy mill concerns.
READ MORE: Maryland pet shops still selling puppies despite new ban
This week, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office filed a petition to enforce a subpoena from June to get additional information on Just Puppies’ two locations in Rockville and Towson.
“The Division is investigating whether Respondent is selling dogs out of its retail pet stores in violation of” the law,” the document states.
FOX 5 confirmed Wednesday that the Rockville store continues to sell puppies, even though the City of Rockville voided the store’s license last month.
READ MORE: Rockville voids pet store license after FOX 5 report
Several customers left the store holding puppies, and a large truck delivered boxes that appeared to have air holes. An employee inside the store said an appointment was necessary to enter.
An attorney for Just Puppies and Charm City Puppies in Columbia has argued the shops can legally sell to customers if the customers make an appointment first.
“Just Puppies is lawfully operating,” said attorney Travis Martz. “The City of Rockville issued their letter in error without analyzing current law.”
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However, a spokesperson for the Maryland Attorney General’s Office told FOX 5 in August, “the Maryland statute prohibits pet stores from selling cats and dogs to the public, no matter what method they use.”
Martz said the Attorney General’s Office is wrong in its interpretation of the law.
A spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office said she could not comment on any enforcement action to stop the stores from operating. The City of Rockville referred FOX 5 to the attorney general’s office.
The lawmaker who sponsored the legislation says what’s happening is inexcusable.
“I am very frustrated that the attorney general’s office has been moving at glacier’s pace to enforce state law on this issue,” said Sen. Ben Kramer (D-Montgomery Co.). “I personally reached out to Attorney General (Brian) Frosh’s office in February.”
Kramer said people need to understand what’s behind the law: the horrible and unsafe conditions in puppy mills often used by pet stores.
FOX 5 will continue to follow up.